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Roxy Music originated in London, England, forming in 1970 when vocalist and principal songwriter Bryan Ferry began recruiting musicians for a new project. The classic lineup consisted of Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Brian Eno (synthesizer, tapes), Andy Mackay (oboe, saxophone), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Paul Thompson (drums), and Graham Simpson (bass). Early on, the band’s avant-garde style and distinctive visual presentation set them apart in the British music scene. They signed with Island Records in early 1972.
Their self-titled debut album, Roxy Music, was released in June 1972 and quickly reached number ten on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured the hit single “Virginia Plain,” which reached number four on the UK Singles Chart. The band’s art rock and glam rock sensibilities drew significant attention, with the album and its singles establishing them as a new force in popular music. Shortly after the album’s release, Graham Simpson left the band, and Rik Kenton stepped in as bassist for touring and recording.
Roxy Music’s second album, For Your Pleasure, arrived in March 1973 and climbed to number four in the UK. The record included “Do the Strand” and “Editions of You.” This album marked Brian Eno’s last appearance as a full-time member; he departed due to creative differences and was replaced by multi-instrumentalist Eddie Jobson. The band’s sound began to evolve, becoming more polished and sophisticated.
Stranded, released in November 1973, became Roxy Music’s first UK number one album. The single “Street Life” reached number nine in the UK. The album showcased Bryan Ferry’s continued songwriting development and the band’s growth following Eno’s departure. Paul Thompson, Andy Mackay, Phil Manzanera, and Eddie Jobson were key contributors on this record.
The fourth studio album, Country Life, was released in November 1974. The album peaked at number three in the UK and broke into the US charts at number thirty-seven. Notable tracks included “The Thrill of It All” and “All I Want Is You.” The controversial cover art and the band’s evolving musical direction continued to fuel their popularity in both Europe and North America.
Siren, their fifth studio album, came out in October 1975. The single “Love Is the Drug” became Roxy Music’s most successful US single, peaking at number two in the UK and number thirty in the US. The album also featured “Both Ends Burning” and received widespread critical acclaim. Siren reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.
Following Siren, the band entered a hiatus, during which time Bryan Ferry focused on his solo career. Roxy Music regrouped in 1978 and recorded Manifesto, which was released in March 1979. The album produced the singles “Dance Away” and “Angel Eyes,” both reaching the top five in the UK. Manifesto peaked at number seven in the UK and marked a shift toward a more contemporary, dance-influenced sound.
In 1980, Roxy Music released Flesh and Blood, which hit number one on the UK Albums Chart. The singles “Over You,” “Oh Yeah,” and “Same Old Scene” achieved considerable chart success. The band’s refined sound and sophisticated image continued to resonate with audiences, cementing their status as one of Britain’s leading art rock acts.
The group’s final studio album, Avalon, was released in May 1982. Avalon reached number one in the UK and was a major commercial success worldwide. The album included the hit singles “More Than This,” “Avalon,” and “Take a Chance with Me.” The lush production and atmospheric sound defined this era of the band. Paul Thompson left the group during the recording sessions, but the band continued as a core trio.
Roxy Music disbanded in 1983 after the world tour supporting Avalon. Members pursued various solo and collaborative projects, most notably Bryan Ferry’s ongoing solo work and Brian Eno’s influential career as a producer and solo artist. The band has periodically reunited for tours and special events, including a notable 2001 reunion tour and subsequent anniversary performances.
Throughout their career, Roxy Music has received numerous accolades. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. The band has received Ivor Novello Awards and recognition for their albums’ sales and influence. Their innovative music videos and striking visual style have also earned acclaim in the fields of fashion and design.
Complete List Of Roxy Music Songs From A to Z
- 2HB – Roxy Music – 1972
- Ain’t That So – Manifesto – 1979
- All I Want Is You – Country Life – 1974
- Amazona – Stranded – 1973
- Angel Eyes – Manifesto – 1979
- Avalon – Avalon – 1982
- Beauty Queen – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Bitter-Sweet – Country Life – 1974
- Bitters End – Roxy Music – 1972
- The Bogus Man – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Both Ends Burning – Siren – 1975
- Casanova – Country Life – 1974
- Chance Meeting – Roxy Music – 1972
- Could It Happen to Me? – Siren – 1975
- Cry, Cry, Cry – Manifesto – 1979
- Dance Away – Manifesto – 1979
- Do the Strand – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Editions of You – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Eight Miles High – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- End of the Line – Siren – 1975
- Flesh and Blood – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- For Your Pleasure – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Giddy Up – Non-album single – 1980
- Grey Lagoons – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- If It Takes All Night – Country Life – 1974
- If There Is Something – Roxy Music – 1972
- In Every Dream Home a Heartache – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- In the Midnight Hour – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- India – Avalon – 1982
- Jealous Guy – Non-album single – 1981
- Just Another High – Siren – 1975
- Just Like You – Stranded – 1973
- Ladytron – Roxy Music – 1972
- Like a Hurricane – The High Road – 1983
- Love Is the Drug – Siren – 1975
- The Main Thing – Avalon – 1982
- Manifesto – Manifesto – 1979
- More Than This – Avalon – 1982
- Mother of Pearl – Stranded – 1973
- My Little Girl – Manifesto – 1979
- My Only Love – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Nightingale – Siren – 1975
- No Strange Delight – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Oh Yeah – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Out of the Blue – Country Life – 1974
- Over You – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Prairie Rose – Country Life – 1974
- Psalm – Stranded – 1973
- Pyjamarama – Non-album single – 1973
- Rain Rain Rain – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- A Really Good Time – Country Life – 1974
- Re-Make/Re-Model – Roxy Music – 1972
- Running Wild – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Same Old Scene – Flesh and Blood – 1980
- Sea Breezes – Roxy Music – 1972
- Sentimental Fool – Siren – 1975
- Serenade – Stranded – 1973
- She Sells – Siren – 1975
- A Song for Europe – Stranded – 1973
- The Space Between – Avalon – 1982
- Spin Me Round – Manifesto – 1979
- Still Falls the Rain – Manifesto – 1979
- Street Life – Stranded – 1973
- Strictly Confidential – For Your Pleasure – 1973
- Stronger Through the Years – Manifesto – 1979
- Sunset – Stranded – 1973
- Take a Chance with Me – Avalon – 1982
- Tara – Avalon – 1982
- The Bob (Medley) – Roxy Music – 1972
- The Thrill of It All – Country Life – 1974
- Three and Nine – Country Life – 1974
- To Turn You On – Avalon – 1982
- Trash – Manifesto – 1979
- Triptych – Country Life – 1974
- True to Life – Avalon – 1982
- Virginia Plain – Roxy Music – 1972
- While My Heart Is Still Beating – Avalon – 1982
- Whirlwind – Siren – 1975
- Would You Believe? – Roxy Music – 1972
Albums
Roxy Music (1972): 10 songs
For Your Pleasure (1973): 8 songs
Stranded (1973): 8 songs
Country Life (1974): 10 songs
Siren (1975): 9 songs
Manifesto (1979): 10 songs
Flesh and Blood (1980): 10 songs
Avalon (1982): 10 songs
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Complete List Of Roxy Music Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
